Recharge Wrap-up: VW Golf TDI wins green car award, DC buses might go electric
Wed, Jul 23 2014
The BMW i8 gets its laser high-beam headlights from lighting company Osram. The laser lights use half the energy of their LED counterparts, according to BMW, which is important when one is trying to get every last bit of range out of the car's battery. The laser high beams can also reach about twice as far as LED lighting. Because of their brightness, they won't be available on cars sold in the US. In laser-equipped i8s, the laser high beams will not work below 60 kilometers per hour, nor when other lights are detected in front of the vehicle. Head to Automotive News Europe to read more.
Renault has delivered a fleet of 30 Kangoo ZEs to Uruguay's government-owned power company, UTE. The electric fleet will allow the company to reduce its CO2 emissions by 36 metric tons, says Renault. 84 percent of Uruguay's electricity comes from renewable sources, with a goal of 90 percent on the horizon. Uruguay aims to get a third of its electricity from wind farms by 2016, meaning these Kangoo ZEs will be powered in no small part by renewable energy. For Renault, "This order is a further sign of the interest in the region for electric vehicles," according to Denis Barbier, Renault's senior vice president, citing previous deliveries in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia. Read more in the press release at Renault's website.
Washington DC's "Circulator" bus routes may go electric. Some of the diesel buses, which were first put to work in 2003, are nearing the end of their life cycle, and DC sees an opportunity to make the switch to something a little greener. "Electric has not been a viable option in previous procurements, but now it is," says Will Handsfield, Georgetown Business Improvement District's transportation director. Handsfield is concerned about air quality, and says he also appreciates the long-term stability of electric rates compared to diesel. Stakeholders have already invited Proterra to come to DC to showcase its 77-passenger electric bus. Learn more in an article from Think Progress.
The EV Roadmap conference is happening in Portland, Oregon from July 23 to July 25. In addition to the various speakers discussing electric vehicles and their future, Portland State University's Electric Avenue will get a new SAE Combo DC Fast Charger, the first of its kind in the state. There is also an available Urban Mobility Electric Bike Tour and a Columbia Gorge Electric Vehicle Tour. Go to the event website to learn more, or to register for events.
2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF TDI NAMED 2014 NORTHWEST GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR
Jul 21, 2014
All-New Golf TDI recognized by top automotive journalists in the Pacific Northwest
- 2015 Golf TDI tops Alternative Fuel category and receives Northwest Green Car of the Year honors
- New more powerful EA288 TDI Clean Diesel Engine combines performance, fuel efficiency and value
- New TDI® S model reduces Clean Diesel entry pricing by more than $3,000
Herndon, VA, July 21, 2014 - The all-new 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI was named Northwest Green Vehicle of the Year for 2014 and winner of the Alternative Fuel category by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) during the second annual Drive Revolution event in Portland, Oregon. Top automotive journalists from throughout the Pacific Northwest evaluated the market's most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient vehicles and selected winners in four categories.
"The all-new 2015 Golf TDI combines class-leading fuel economy, more power, advanced technology, reduced emissions, all while offering a tremendous value starting $3,000 less than the outgoing model," said Mark McNabb, Chief Operations Officer, Volkswagen of America. "This Northwest Green Car of the Year honor validates the benefits of the Golf TDI and highlights the leadership position the Pacific Northwest has taken in embracing alternative fuel technologies like TDI® Clean Diesel."
"Volkswagen has led the diesel passenger car market for years, and the Golf TDI proves that they're likely to stay on top for a while," said Jeff Zurschmeide, NWAPA Drive Revolution Event Co-Chairman.
About the 2015 Golf TDI
The seventh-generation Golf goes on sale in dealerships this August, celebrating 40 years since Volkswagen's iconic hatchback debuted in the United States. The 2015 Golf TDI will be available with four doors and feature a new EA288 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TDI® Clean Diesel, fitted with a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fans of Volkswagen's TDI Clean Diesel engines will be thrilled that the price of the base TDI model has been reduced by more than the $3,000 compared with the previous-generation Golf TDI model.
The EA288 in the Golf is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection diesel engine, a thorough update from the powerplant in the previous Golf. Despite the similarity in basic specifications, the only aspect that carries over from the previous EA189 unit is the cylinder bore spacing. The new engine produces 150 horsepower-10 more than before-at 3,500 rpm, as well as 236 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm. This high torque output is another compelling argument for diesel engines, along with their fuel efficiency. The new engine now gets a manufacturer estimated rating of 31 mpg in the city and 35 mpg combined, an improvement of 1 mpg in both areas over the previous EPA numbers.
This new-generation Golf has grown in size yet dropped in weight by up to 79 pounds (depending on model), despite a plethora of new and upscale features. The new generation introduces Volkswagen's versatile modular transverse matrix (MQB) vehicle platform to the U.S. market-a significant step in standardizing, simplifying, and improving the design and creation of products across the entire Volkswagen Group portfolio. The MQB architecture allows for a more cab-backward design, which gives the new Golf a more upscale appearance while retaining classic design cues from the Mk 1 and Mk 4 Golf models.
Dimensionally, the Golf has grown in all directions but up. Overall length has increased by 2.1 inches, while width has gained 0.5 inches. Overall height has decreased, however, by 1.1 inches. Thanks to the MQB architecture, which dictates a fixed relationship between the front-wheel centerline and the pedalbox, the front wheels now sit 1.7 inches further forward, giving a premium "cab backward" aesthetic. Along with the new design graphics and shape, these updated proportions help the Golf achieve a lower visual center of gravity and a more dynamic stance.
Inside, the new Golf features a larger, more refined and mature cabin with an emphasis on comfort and a substantial list of features. Despite the Golf's lower overall height, interior space has been increased all around, with 93.5 cubic feet of interior room compared with 92.9 for the previous Golf. The Golf's hatchback design and MQB architecture allow for maximum comfort for the driver and passengers, while providing more trunk space than any midsize sedan available in the U.S.
About NWAPA
The Northwest Automotive Press Association is a non-profit professional group with membership spanning print, broadcast and electronic media, plus representatives of automotive manufacturers, and related industry professionals. The group presents annual scholarships supporting journalism students at the University of Washington, Washington State University, the University of Oregon, and Portland State University. More information about NWAPA can be found at www.nwapa.org.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, CC, Eos, Golf, Golf GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Tiguan, and Touareg vehicles through approximately 644 independent U.S. dealers.
Jul 21, 2014
All-New Golf TDI recognized by top automotive journalists in the Pacific Northwest
- 2015 Golf TDI tops Alternative Fuel category and receives Northwest Green Car of the Year honors
- New more powerful EA288 TDI Clean Diesel Engine combines performance, fuel efficiency and value
- New TDI® S model reduces Clean Diesel entry pricing by more than $3,000
Herndon, VA, July 21, 2014 - The all-new 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI was named Northwest Green Vehicle of the Year for 2014 and winner of the Alternative Fuel category by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) during the second annual Drive Revolution event in Portland, Oregon. Top automotive journalists from throughout the Pacific Northwest evaluated the market's most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient vehicles and selected winners in four categories.
"The all-new 2015 Golf TDI combines class-leading fuel economy, more power, advanced technology, reduced emissions, all while offering a tremendous value starting $3,000 less than the outgoing model," said Mark McNabb, Chief Operations Officer, Volkswagen of America. "This Northwest Green Car of the Year honor validates the benefits of the Golf TDI and highlights the leadership position the Pacific Northwest has taken in embracing alternative fuel technologies like TDI® Clean Diesel."
"Volkswagen has led the diesel passenger car market for years, and the Golf TDI proves that they're likely to stay on top for a while," said Jeff Zurschmeide, NWAPA Drive Revolution Event Co-Chairman.
About the 2015 Golf TDI
The seventh-generation Golf goes on sale in dealerships this August, celebrating 40 years since Volkswagen's iconic hatchback debuted in the United States. The 2015 Golf TDI will be available with four doors and feature a new EA288 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TDI® Clean Diesel, fitted with a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fans of Volkswagen's TDI Clean Diesel engines will be thrilled that the price of the base TDI model has been reduced by more than the $3,000 compared with the previous-generation Golf TDI model.
The EA288 in the Golf is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection diesel engine, a thorough update from the powerplant in the previous Golf. Despite the similarity in basic specifications, the only aspect that carries over from the previous EA189 unit is the cylinder bore spacing. The new engine produces 150 horsepower-10 more than before-at 3,500 rpm, as well as 236 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm. This high torque output is another compelling argument for diesel engines, along with their fuel efficiency. The new engine now gets a manufacturer estimated rating of 31 mpg in the city and 35 mpg combined, an improvement of 1 mpg in both areas over the previous EPA numbers.
This new-generation Golf has grown in size yet dropped in weight by up to 79 pounds (depending on model), despite a plethora of new and upscale features. The new generation introduces Volkswagen's versatile modular transverse matrix (MQB) vehicle platform to the U.S. market-a significant step in standardizing, simplifying, and improving the design and creation of products across the entire Volkswagen Group portfolio. The MQB architecture allows for a more cab-backward design, which gives the new Golf a more upscale appearance while retaining classic design cues from the Mk 1 and Mk 4 Golf models.
Dimensionally, the Golf has grown in all directions but up. Overall length has increased by 2.1 inches, while width has gained 0.5 inches. Overall height has decreased, however, by 1.1 inches. Thanks to the MQB architecture, which dictates a fixed relationship between the front-wheel centerline and the pedalbox, the front wheels now sit 1.7 inches further forward, giving a premium "cab backward" aesthetic. Along with the new design graphics and shape, these updated proportions help the Golf achieve a lower visual center of gravity and a more dynamic stance.
Inside, the new Golf features a larger, more refined and mature cabin with an emphasis on comfort and a substantial list of features. Despite the Golf's lower overall height, interior space has been increased all around, with 93.5 cubic feet of interior room compared with 92.9 for the previous Golf. The Golf's hatchback design and MQB architecture allow for maximum comfort for the driver and passengers, while providing more trunk space than any midsize sedan available in the U.S.
About NWAPA
The Northwest Automotive Press Association is a non-profit professional group with membership spanning print, broadcast and electronic media, plus representatives of automotive manufacturers, and related industry professionals. The group presents annual scholarships supporting journalism students at the University of Washington, Washington State University, the University of Oregon, and Portland State University. More information about NWAPA can be found at www.nwapa.org.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, CC, Eos, Golf, Golf GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Tiguan, and Touareg vehicles through approximately 644 independent U.S. dealers.
Featured Gallery 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI
View 11 Photos
- News Source: Volkswagen, Automotive News Europe, Renault, Think Progress, EV Roadmap 7
- Image Credit: Volkswagen
- Green
- BMW
- Volkswagen
- Renault
- Transportation Alternatives
- Diesel Vehicles
- Electric
- recharge wrapup
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- washington dc
By John Beltz Snyder
See also: BMW predicts 2 Series Active Tourer will have 75% conquest rate, Volkswagen says goodbye to Eos, Routan in 2015 updates, Recharge Wrap-up: Nissan Leaf in Puerto Rico, BMW i3 REx tax-free in NJ, BC2BC cancelled [UPDATE].